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FAQ’s

Will I get hurt while training in mixed martial arts?

No you won’t. Of course every exercise program comes with a risk we pride ourselves in having a super safe training environment. 95% of our students just want to get a great workout while learning the best self defense on the planet. Only a small percentage want to compete. We are here for the regular person to get in top notch shape in a friendly safe environment.

How does your belt testing work?

Rank testing will be held 4 times a year unless otherwise specified. We will only test a student when they are ready to advance. We firmly believe that students should train to be proficient at self-defense and the belts will follow as a result of being able to understand and apply the techniques. Train to be great rather then for a belt.

You will be able to test for rank or belt in every class that we have for both kids and adults.

Will I get a belt in Thai Boxing?

There are no belts in Thai Boxing, you will advance in levels.

Will I get in better shape by training at American Top Team of Savage?

Absolutely! We have many students here that have lost weight with remarkable results. Here you will increase your flexibility, improve your cardiovascular conditioning; strengthen your core muscles and more, all while having fun.

Is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu ONLY a ground fighting martial art?

No! Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, when taught properly, was designed to be the most complete system of self-defense. The system has techniques for all forms of stand up aggression; grabs, strikes, throws, tackles, hugs, weapons, and trips. It also has a complete system of ground fighting once the fight goes to the ground, which it is most famous for. Many schools do not teach the stand up self-defense portion of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu because they only want to focus on the ground. We at American Top Team of Savage do not deny the fact that the fight starts on the feet with some form of aggression, which is why we teach stand up self-defense.

Is there a difference between Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu sport competition and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for self-defense?

Yes! When training to enter sport competitions, you prepare differently then you would if you were training to defend yourself on the street. In sport competitions there are rules, time limits, judges, points, weight classes and fan/team support. Because of this, students must train to learn how to play according to those rules and how to use those rules to their advantage. None of that exists on the street so you had better be prepared for no rules, no time, no weight class, no judges, no fans and no teammates cheering you on.

What is Thai Boxing?

Thai Boxing or Muay Thai is a Martial Art from Thailand that utilizes punches, kicks, knees and elbows, and is great for close range fighting because it stresses what to do in the clinch. At American Top Team of Savage it’s called Thai Boxing instead of Muay Thai because we don’t teach bowing or the traditions or religious overtones of traditional Muay Thai. We teach all the moves without the culture. Thai Boxing is battle tested in ring competitions throughout the world and if you are considering fighting MMA, this is a required class.

That sounds brutal, will I get hurt in class?

No! Classes are taught in a safe manner. We use focus mitts, heavy bags, speed bags and Thai pads to hit. You can’t punch, kick, knee and elbow your partner and expect to train the next day. Only a small percentage of our students are fighters, the majority just want to learn self defense and get a great workout. Thai Boxing is a great cardio workout that everyone can enjoy.

Can I compete in Boxing?

Yes! As soon as you are approved by staff, you can compete in Golden Gloves.

What do I get out of training at American Top Team of Savage?

You will not only receive the best self-defense techniques to defend yourself on your feet and the ground, but you will receive so much more; camaraderie, discipline, sense of belonging, increased self-esteem, improved physical condition, friends, business contacts, social events, friendly competition and more….

What’s the difference between Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and other martial arts?

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, like some other martial arts, is based on leverage and technique, not size, strength, speed or power. It was designed for the smaller, weaker opponent against the stronger, heavier opponent. Many of the other martial arts promote striking as their means of defending themselves where Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu promotes submission techniques. When you depend upon punching, kicking and other strikes, you must be able to out strike your opponent. Let’s face it, on the street, a bully is not weaker and smaller then you so you are almost rolling the dice when you depend upon out striking a bigger opponent because they can strike back, and they will.

Why should I sign my child up here at American Top Team of Savage?

Your child will receive the most complete and effective system of self-defense and improved physical conditioning. Mentally your child will show major improvements in the areas of; confidence, self-esteem, better grades at school, more disciplined, more focused, more friends, improved social and motor skills and much more…

How does Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu prepare you for multiple attackers?

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu does not have any techniques to teach people to take on multiple attackers. Many martial arts schools mislead their students in to thinking they can take on multiple attackers. The philosophy about this in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is that multiple is more than one. How can someone teach you to take on 20 people at once who are intent on beating you up? It is an unrealistic concept that many martial arts schools sell to their students. There are many theories of how to deal with the situation, but no set techniques. No two people fight the same, so imagine 5 people attacking you. How can you have a specific technique if everyone attacks differently all the time?

I am having trouble learning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, should I give up?

No! There is no such thing as a good or bad student, only a good or bad instructor. This takes the responsibility off of the student to learn and puts it on the instructor to teach. Let’s face it, everyone learns at a different level/pace and not everyone has the same physical abilities. It is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructor’s obligation to figure out how to get the techniques across to the students, not the students to learn. After all, you are paying because we have the knowledge and a great instructor will be able to convey that knowledge regardless of the student’s abilities.

Am I too old?

No! Because American Top Team of Savage focuses a lot on teaching proper techniques to their students for self-defense application as well as fighting in the ring or in tournaments, it is a lot easier on the body with much less chance of injuries. You are never too old to learn how to defend yourself.

Can I change my training program at the school at any time?

Yes you can. At any point you feel that you would like to either upgrade or reduce your training time at American Top Team of Savage, you are welcome to do so and of course your program price will reflect that change.

I hear the word “sparring” all the time. What does it mean?

‘Sparring’ is when two students train against each other in real time and speed. Both are trying to defend and execute the techniques to make the other one submit or tap out (quit). In ‘sparring,’ neither student is allowing the other one to practice or win, they are testing themselves, their knowledge of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and their ability to apply the techniques with a resisting partner. Sparring in Thai Boxing or MMA is for advanced students only, it is contact with punches, kicks, knees and elbows. You must be seriously conditioned and you cannot do this without instructor permission.

I want to learn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Thai Boxing, but I don’t want to spar a lot on the mat because I don’t know if my body can handle it or I just don’t want to get injured on accident. Do I have to spar?

At ATT of Savage, we never make anyone spar who does not wish to, but sparring is an important part of the learning process because it exploits your weaknesses and strengths so you and your instructor can track your progress. What we will do is have you spar with an instructor first or some of the advanced students who are knowledgeable on how to roll around on the ground safely with new students. We find that most people, once they get the taste of sparring, realize that it is fun and great exercise and want to then spar more.

How young do you start children at your school?

At ATT of Savage, the youngest age that we allow someone to start training with us is 3 years old. We feel that at 3, children have developed enough motor skills, coordination and their attention span is long enough to truly maximize the benefits of learning self-defense.

Do you have family classes where parents can learn with their children?

No we do not. The reason we don’t have family classes is because adults and children learn at different rates and have a much different learning curve. We do not feel that you can effectively and legitimately teach self-defense to people with that much of a learning differential. Parents and kids don’t receive a classroom education at the same time of math, science and more, so how can they receive a self-defense education at the same time? There are techniques that are kid friendly and techniques that are applicable for adults. This is why ATT of Savage does not mix the classes with adults and children.

What is MMA?

MMA stands for Mixed Martial Arts. It is a combination of striking arts, like kickboxing, Muay Thai and boxing and grappling arts like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Wrestling.

Can I compete in MMA or Thai Boxing or Grappling matches?

Yes! Competition is healthy if you are properly trained. If you are interested in competing, talk to the staff for proper guidance. There are many fighters and competitors at ATT of Savage and we look forward to training you.

Can I jump right in to MMA class?

No, this class is only for fighter training. If you want to compete in MMA, Thai Boxing, Boxing or grappling tournaments, you must attend this class.

What if I don’t want to compete? How do I get into MMA class?

You have to train in Thai Boxing and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes first, then with instructor approval, you can train in the MMA class.

Why do I have to do that?

MMA class is a fast paced class that fine tunes your Thai Boxing and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills and also teaches you to combine the two. You must know your basics to keep up. It is also very cardio demanding so you need to be in fairly good shape.

How long do I have to take Thai Boxing and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu before I can do the MMA class?

Depends on how often you come to class and how quickly you pick up on the skills, usually 3-6 months.